Engineering is often seen as all theory and complex mathematics. But TU Ilmenau’s orientation program shows another side – one that’s hands-on, creative, and collaborative, with students developing their own projects from the very first semester.
Too theoretical, too demanding, only for math geniuses – that’s how many people imagine studying engineering. But 24 first-year students from various engineering programs at TU Ilmenau discovered that behind all the formulas and equations, there’s also plenty of room for hands-on work and creative ideas. They took part in the university’s orientation program during the past academic year.
First launched in 2022, the program combines insights into different engineering disciplines with team projects and courses for personal development. “At that time, there were already similar models across Germany, but they weren’t always STEM-specific or offered semester-long guidance,” explains Prof. Anja Geigenmüller, Vice President for Studies and Teaching at TU Ilmenau.
Our idea was to create something that motivates students for an engineering degree. We wanted to make it easier to engage with the necessary fundamentals through different teaching formats and content – partly because thus it becomes clearer how these basics can later be applied in professional practice. We wanted to encourage students to explore their chosen field, develop their interests, and open up new perspectives for their studies.
Personal guidance: “Deeply rooted in TU Ilmenau’s DNA”
From this idea emerged the first orientation program specifically designed for engineering students at TU Ilmenau. “Personal mentoring and targeted support of individual talents and abilities were especially important to us,” says Prof. Geigenmüller – an approach that, as she emphasizes, is “deeply rooted in TU Ilmenau’s DNA.”
Flexibility was also a key consideration. “We wanted to give students the freedom to change their degree program at the beginning if they discover their true talents and interests during the orientation phase,” she explains.
“Switching to a different degree program after discovering your real interests is far better than sticking with a subject you don’t love, don’t identify with, and therefore can’t truly excel in.”
From the very beginning, student projects and group-based learning have been a central element of the orientation program. This is made possible by lecturers from a wide range of disciplines who dedicate their time to developing project ideas, mentoring student teams, and guiding them into their subject studies – on top of their regular teaching and research responsibilities.
“Our orientation program is so attractive because our instructors don’t look at the clock – they look after their students. And that gives students the space to find their own path through their studies.”
Learning beyond disciplinary boundaries
For students Alexander, Heinrich, and Leon, that path led “into the eye of the sun” – the name of their solar tracking system developed during the orientation program. The solar modules automatically align themselves with the sun, much like a sunflower, and can generate up to one-third more electricity than fixed systems. At the end of September, they presented their project along with five other student teams from different engineering fields in the university’s Audimax lecture hall.
Mara, Vitus, Linus, Elisabeth, and Shwe Yi also benefited from the program.
“Our group worked with great dedication on the design, construction, testing, and completion of an autonomous miniature transporter – or as we called it, a mini dump truck,” says Mara.
The students designed their transporter with a classic layout – control unit at the front, loading area at the back, and three wheels for maximum maneuverability. It was built to automatically steer and regulate its speed while following a predefined track. The team’s priority was to create an open model where components are easily visible and replaceable.
“Our goal was a system that’s technically convincing while also serving as a clear and practical learning model,” explains Vitus.
Sustainability also played a role. The team used lightweight materials such as aluminum and opted for a mechanical tipping system to reduce both weight and energy consumption. They were supported by lecturers and advanced students, learning not only about design principles and manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing and milling, but also about programming, teamwork, and documentation.
“Even though my background is in automotive engineering, I learned a lot about electrical engineering by soldering and experimenting with the sensor board,” Linus shares. “Most importantly, I learned how people from different disciplines can rely on each other and work together to bring an exciting project to life.”
A program that inspires more
The students are already brimming with ideas for improving their mini transporter: replacing batteries with rechargeable cells, adding larger loading areas, telemetry displays, optional suspension, lighting systems, or even a small sound module to simulate engine noises for a more immersive user experience.
They also want to learn more about computer-aided product design in 2D and 3D. According to Prof. Stephan Husung, Dean of Studies at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, they’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so as their studies continue.
Register now and take part
Students beginning their studies in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Automotive Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Industrial Engineering in the winter semester can still register for the orientation program until October 10. To apply, simply send an email to orientierung@tu-ilmenau.de.
